Reaching 40 weeks of pregnancy is a major milestone. This is the point when many babies are born and when your body, your baby, and your medical team are all focused on one goal: a safe delivery and a healthy start to life outside the womb.
Even if your due date comes and goes without labor starting, week 40 is a time of careful monitoring, preparation, and anticipation. Understanding what typically happens during this week can ease anxiety and help you feel more in control as you approach birth.
How Big Is Your Baby at 40 Weeks?
By 40 weeks, most babies are considered full term and ready for life outside the uterus.
- Average weight: around 7 to 8 pounds (about 3.1–3.6 kg)
- Average length: about 20 to 21 inches (around 50–53 cm)
- Position: usually head-down in the pelvis, ready for birth
Your baby’s internal organs are fully formed, and the lungs are mature enough to handle breathing air in most full-term newborns. The brain is still rapidly growing, and your baby continues building fat stores that help with temperature control after birth.
What’s Happening in Your Body at Week 40
At this stage your body is in the final stretch before labor. Some people feel strong physical changes; others notice only subtle shifts until contractions begin.
Common physical changes
- Increased pelvic pressure as baby settles deeper into the pelvis
- Backache and heaviness in the lower abdomen
- More frequent urination as the uterus presses on the bladder
- Swelling of feet, ankles, and hands, especially late in the day
- Interrupted sleep from discomfort or nighttime bathroom trips
Late-pregnancy warning signs
At 40 weeks, it is important to contact your maternity team immediately if you notice:
- Sudden or severe swelling of hands, face, or around the eyes
- Severe headache, vision changes, or pain in the upper right abdomen (possible signs of preeclampsia)
- Vaginal bleeding like a period
- Leaking of fluid from the vagina suggesting your water has broken
- A noticeable decrease or stop in fetal movements
Due Dates, Late Babies, and Induction
A due date is only an estimate. Many healthy pregnancies continue a week or two beyond the expected date of delivery.
| Term category | Gestational age | Typical management |
|---|---|---|
| Full term | 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days | Spontaneous labor is expected; monitoring continues |
| Late term | 41 weeks 0 days to 41 weeks 6 days | Closer surveillance; induction often discussed |
| Post term | 42 weeks 0 days and beyond | Induction usually recommended to reduce risk |
Your provider may suggest additional tests around or after week 40, such as nonstress tests or ultrasound checks of the amniotic fluid, to make sure your baby is coping well while you wait for labor.
Signs That Labor May Be Starting
Labor rarely begins with a single dramatic event. Instead, you may notice a series of signs that your body is gearing up for birth.
- Regular contractions: Tightening or cramping of the uterus that becomes stronger, longer, and closer together over time
- Bloody show: A small amount of blood-tinged mucus as the cervix begins to open
- Rupture of membranes: A gush or steady trickle of fluid from the vagina when the amniotic sac breaks
- Lower back pressure: A dull, rhythmic ache that may come and go with contractions
If your water breaks, contractions become regular, or you are not sure what you are feeling, your maternity unit or provider can advise you on when to come in.
What Happens in the Delivery Room
When active labor is established, your healthcare team focuses on monitoring both you and your baby and supporting progress toward birth.
Monitoring during labor
- Regular checks of your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and pain level
- Listening to your baby’s heart rate either continuously or at intervals
- Occasional cervical exams to see how far the cervix has dilated and how low the baby’s head is
- Support with comfort measures, such as position changes or pain relief options
Vaginal birth
During the pushing stage, your baby’s head gradually moves down through the birth canal. When the head is born, the shoulders and rest of the body usually follow with the next contraction or two. Once baby is out, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and your healthcare team quickly assesses breathing, color, and muscle tone.
Cesarean birth
Some births are planned or unplanned Cesarean deliveries. In these cases, a surgical team delivers the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. A pediatrician or neonatologist often evaluates the baby immediately, especially if the cesarean was performed for fetal concerns or high-risk conditions.
Your Baby’s First Minutes: Newborn Checks and the Apgar Score
The first few minutes after birth are focused on making sure your baby is breathing well and adjusting to life outside the womb. A quick, standardized assessment called the Apgar score is often used worldwide to summarize how a newborn is doing at 1 and 5 minutes of life.
| Apgar category | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Skin color (pink or pale/blue) |
| Pulse | Heart rate |
| Grimace | Reflex response to gentle stimulation |
| Activity | Muscle tone and movement |
| Respiration | Breathing effort and crying |
Each category is given a score from 0 to 2, for a total score out of 10. A higher score usually means that your baby is adapting well. The Apgar test is not an intelligence test or a long-term prediction; it simply guides the medical team about whether your newborn needs extra help right away.
Newborn Care in the Delivery Room
Once your baby’s breathing and heart rate are stable, the focus shifts to basic newborn care and getting you both comfortable.
Immediate newborn care often includes:
- Drying and warming your baby to prevent heat loss
- Placing baby skin-to-skin on your chest if both of you are stable
- Clearing excess mucus from the mouth or nose if needed
- Weighing and measuring length and head circumference
- Giving vitamin K and eye prophylaxis according to local guidelines
Many hospitals now prioritize keeping parent and baby together as much as possible. If your baby is healthy, most of these tasks can be done while your newborn rests on your chest.
When a Specialist Is at the Birth
Some pregnancies are labeled higher risk because of maternal medical conditions, complications during pregnancy, or concerns about the baby’s health. In these situations, a neonatologist or pediatric specialist may be present in the delivery room.
A neonatologist is a doctor trained to care for newborns who need intensive medical support, such as premature infants or babies with breathing problems or birth defects. If your pregnancy has been considered high risk or you are having a cesarean for specific medical reasons, your maternity team may arrange for this specialist to be present at delivery.
If your baby needs extra help after birth—such as breathing support, careful temperature control, or close monitoring—your newborn may be taken briefly to a warmer or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Whenever it is safe, the team will work to reunite you and your baby quickly for bonding and feeding.
First Hours Together: Bonding and Feeding
For many families, the first hour after birth is a powerful time of connection. Your baby is usually awake and alert, taking in new sights, sounds, and smells.
Skin-to-skin contact
- Stabilizes baby’s temperature and heart rate
- Helps regulate breathing
- Encourages early feeding cues
- Supports bonding and reduces stress for both parent and baby
Feeding in the first hour
Whether you plan to breastfeed or formula feed, your baby may show signs of readiness soon after birth. These can include rooting (turning toward your touch), licking, or bringing hands to the mouth. If breastfeeding, early and frequent feeds help establish milk production. Hospital staff or lactation consultants can assist with positioning and latch if you need support.
Looking After Yourself After Delivery
Your baby’s health is the focus of the day, but your recovery matters just as much. The minutes and hours after birth are a time of major physical and emotional adjustment.
- Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding (lochia) is normal after birth. Your team will monitor how heavy it is.
- Pain and cramping: Contractions may continue as the uterus shrinks back down. Pain medication can help if needed.
- Bladder care: Nurses may encourage you to empty your bladder regularly or help if you have difficulty urinating at first.
- Emotional shifts: Relief, joy, exhaustion, and tears can all appear within a short time. Hormonal changes and the intensity of the experience make strong emotions very common.
Tell your care team if you feel unwell, unusually short of breath, severely dizzy, or if pain suddenly worsens. Rapid recognition of postpartum complications can be lifesaving.
Practical Tips for Week 40
While you wait for labor or prepare for a scheduled birth, a few practical steps can help you feel more ready.
- Keep your hospital or birth center bag by the door.
- Have a written list of phone numbers for your maternity unit, partner, and any childcare arrangements.
- Review your birth preferences with your support person.
- Rest when you can; short naps may help with overnight sleep disruptions.
- Stay hydrated and eat small, regular meals unless advised otherwise by your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Week 40
Is it normal to be 40 weeks and still not in labor?
Yes. Many healthy pregnancies go beyond the due date. Your provider may schedule extra monitoring and discuss induction if pregnancy continues toward 41–42 weeks.
How often should my baby move at 40 weeks?
Your baby should continue to move in a pattern that is normal for them. Movements should not stop or drop sharply; contact your maternity unit immediately if you notice a clear reduction in activity.
Will someone explain my baby’s Apgar score?
You can always ask your provider or midwife to explain the Apgar numbers. Scores of 7–10 at 5 minutes generally indicate that a baby is doing well, but lower scores can often improve quickly with simple support like drying, stimulation, and oxygen.
Who decides if a neonatologist needs to be at my delivery?
Your obstetric, midwifery, or maternal-fetal medicine team usually makes this decision based on your medical history, pregnancy complications, and any concerns about the baby. You can ask during prenatal visits whether a specialist is expected to attend the birth.
Should I be worried if I need an induction?
Induction of labor is common, especially when pregnancy extends beyond 40–41 weeks or when there are medical reasons to deliver. Your provider should explain the methods, benefits, and risks so you can make an informed decision based on your situation.
References
- Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 35–40 — WebMD. 2022-06-15. https://www.webmd.com/baby/your-pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-35-40
- Fetal Development: Week-by-Week Stages of Pregnancy — Cleveland Clinic. 2023-04-20. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- 40 Weeks Pregnant Guide — NHS. 2023-08-01. https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/3rd-trimester/week-40/
- Pregnancy Week by Week — March of Dimes. 2022-11-10. https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy-week-week
- Pregnancy Calendar: Week 40 — Nemours KidsHealth. 2021-05-12. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/week40.html
